Designing a Custom Entertainment Center: Blending Functionality with Elegant Woodworking

Upgrade Your Living Room

There’s something deeply satisfying about a well-organised, beautifully crafted entertainment center. It anchors the room, hides the cable chaos, and becomes the quiet star of every Netflix night, gaming session, or family gathering.

This guide walks you through every step of designing and building a custom entertainment center—from planning and measuring to the final touches. Whether you’re going minimalist or going big with integrated shelving and even a fireplace, you’ll find all the woodworking know-how you need here. Plus, Timbercity is on hand with high-quality materials, tools, and expert advice to help make your dream unit a reality.

Why Build a Custom Entertainment Centre?

Pre-made units? Convenient. But they rarely tick all the boxes. A custom entertainment center lets you build something better, bolder, and uniquely suited to your lifestyle.

• Tailored Fit
  Whether you’re working with an awkward nook, open-plan lounge, or full media wall, custom means perfect sizing.

• Better Storage
  Tuck away remotes, consoles, DVDs, and more with shelves and drawers exactly where you need them.

• Cleaner Cable Management
  Hidden conduits and pass-through holes keep the mess out of sight and your space looking sharp.

• Visual Impact
  A beautiful wood finish can make your entertainment unit a design feature, not just a fixture.

Bonus? It can even increase the resale value of your home – built-ins add charm and functionality in one neat package.

Planning Your Built-In Unit

Before you start buying boards and drilling holes, take time to map out your vision.

Measure Twice, Build Once

• • Measure the height, width, and depth of the space – factor in skirtings, cornices, and wall plugs.

• Note the placement of electrical outlets and power points for TV, gaming, and lighting.

What’s Going Where?

List your must-have gear:

• • TV size (and whether it’s wall-mounted)

  • Gaming consoles and sound systems

• Streaming boxes, speakers, and decor items

Design Features to Consider

• • Floating Shelves: Great for open, airy layouts

  • Cabinets with Doors: Keep clutter tucked away

  • Drawer Units: Ideal for remotes, games, and accessories

• Fireplace Integration: We’ll get to that later…

Materials & Tools You’ll Need

Your entertainment center will only be as good as the materials that hold it together. So choose wisely.

Wood Types That Work

• • MDF: Smooth and easy to paint—ideal for modern, seamless finishes

  • Pine or Meranti: Warm tones and visible grain for a natural look

• Plywood (furniture grade): Strong, stable, and versatile

Essential Hardware & Accessories

• • Screws, pop rivets, wall anchors

  • Soft-close hinges and drawer runners

• Cable grommets and LED strips

Tools of the Trade

• • Drill and driver set

  • Circular saw or table saw

  • Measuring tape and level

  • Stud finder (if wall-mounting)

• Sandpaper or electric sander

You’ll find a great selection of tools and materials at Timbercity—and if you’re unsure what you need, they’re just a question away.

The Build: Step-by-Step

Time to bring your design to life. Here’s a simplified breakdown of how to build your custom entertainment center.

1. Frame the Structure

• • Build the base frame first if your unit sits on the floor.

  • Use cross-bracing for strength, and mark stud positions if wall-mounted.

• For floating designs, secure cleats (wooden strips) into wall studs for added support.

2. Add Shelving and Storage

• • Cut and install horizontal shelves. Use corner clamps to ensure square angles.

  • Fit drawer boxes using tracks and guides.

  • Add doors with soft-close hinges—align carefully for clean lines.

• Back panels help hide cables and add stability.

3. Secure to the Wall (If Built-In)

• Use a stud finder to locate strong anchoring points.

• Pre-drill and screw the unit into place with heavy-duty fasteners.

• Use spacers to ensure the unit sits flush against uneven walls.

<h2>Finishing Touches: Make It Yours</h2>

Now for the detail work – the difference between “meh” and “wow.”

<h3>Surface Finishes</h3>

• Painted? Use a high-quality primer and water-based enamel.

• Stained? Apply wood stain in even coats, then seal with polyurethane for protection.

<h3>Lighting and Cabling</h3>

• Route cables behind panels or through pre-drilled holes.

• Add LED strip lights behind shelves or around the TV frame for subtle glow.

• Use cable clips or trunking to keep things tidy.

<h3>Hardware Choices</h3>

• Matte black for modern, clean lines

• Brushed brass or chrome for luxury feel

• Wooden handles to keep it natural

Fireplace Integration (Optional but Awesome)

Thinking about adding a fireplace to your entertainment center? Great idea. It instantly becomes a cosy, eye-catching feature—perfect for movie nights or creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

<h3>Why Electric Fireplaces Work Best</h3>

Electric fireplace inserts are the easiest and safest option to build into your unit:

• No venting needed – You don’t need a chimney or flue.

• Low maintenance – Just plug in and enjoy, with no ashes or mess.

• Instant ambiance – They provide both warmth and that comforting flicker of flames.

How to Install It Right

Here’s what to keep in mind when adding a fireplace insert:

1. Check the size and clearance
   Make sure your entertainment unit is deep enough to fit the fireplace, and leave space around it as recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Plan the power supply
   It’s best to install a dedicated power point directly behind the fireplace insert so you can plug it in discreetly—no visible cords.

3. Frame it beautifully
   Surround the fireplace with trim or tiles that match your overall design. Whether it’s rustic wood, modern matte black, or something in between, this is your moment to get creative.

When done right, a custom entertainment center with a built-in fireplace isn’t just functional—it’s a feature you’ll be proud to show off.

Need Help with Custom Cuts or Quotes?

Not sure how to get that perfect bevel or panel cut? Timbercity offers expert guidance and precision cutting services. Whether you need sizing advice, boards cut or a materials checklist, our team is ready to assist.

For an accurate materials list and pricing, just request a quote and get a head start on your build.

 

Your entertainment center isn’t just a piece of furniture—it’s a handcrafted centerpiece, made to fit your space, your gear, and your lifestyle. Every cut, coat, and cable tuck is a step toward a room that reflects your personality.

So go ahead – share your finished build and tag Timbercity. Who knows? You might just inspire someone else to build their own masterpiece.